The political dispute that has shut the government down has already taken effect on the Department of Interior with National Parks and Bureau of Land Management areas closed to the public.
Demonstrated in southern Nevada as the closure of the Red Rock Scenic loop and Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the shutdown has wide-reaching effects. Nevada’s sole park – Great Basin National Park is also closed to business.
Still itching to get out? Scramble amongst the red sandstone? Enjoy the relaxing scenery of the lake and mountains? There are still access points to both Red Rock and Lake Mead.
Just prior to the Red Rock turnoff is Calico Basin that provides parking and hiking trails that lead up into the sandstone. On the south side of State Route 159 heading to Red Rock there are numerous hiking trails exploring Blue Diamond hill.
To supply the fiery red sandstone requirement, Valley of Fire State Park remains open to the public.
While Lake Mead’s scenic drive is closed Hoover Dam is not, and there are small parking lots just before park entrances, such as the lot at the Railroad Tunnel Trailhead.
